Local wrestler places 4th in national competition

SAULT STE. MARIE - Natasha Doroodian, a first-year Algoma University wrestler, placed fourth place in the women's 63 kilogram weight class at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Championship this past weekend in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Doroodian went 1-2 at the CIS Championship, held at the University of New Brunswick, to earn her fourth place. She lost her first match to L'arissa D'Alleva from Western University, who finished in second.

Doroodian then defeated Theresa Urbancyzk from the University of Alberta 9-3 by pin, to earn her a bye and a spot in the bronze medal match.

Urbancyzk earned the silver medal in the Can West division. On the second day of competition, Doroodian lost her final match to Jessy Seida of the University of Calgary, who earned the bronze medal.

With only one competitor, Algoma placed fifteenth overall at the CIS Championship, with the Brock University men's and women's teams claiming top spot in both divisions. The Brock team won seven individual titles overall.

"We are very pleased with Natasha's success at the CIS Championship. Placing fourth among the best wrestlers in Canada shows how talented she is and the level of skill her wrestling is at. We are proud of Tasha, and know her future with the Algoma Thunderbirds is very bright. I'm sure the whole university joins me in offering congratulations to both Tasha and her Head Coach, Trevor Manchester," said University President Dr. Richard Myers.

Doroodian, a graduate of Korah Collegiate and native of Sault Ste. Marie, is the most decorated wrestler on the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics team, having picked up a gold, silver, and bronze medal this season.

She brought home gold after championing the 63-kilogram weight class at the inaugural York Open at York University, a silver at the Marauder Wrestling Invitational at McMaster University, and most recently, a bronze at the Western Open in London, Ontario.

Doroodian is the first-ever student-athlete to represent Algoma University at a CIS Championship.

She qualified for the CIS Championship after placing fifth at the OUA Championship in early February.

"This year was a very successful year, not only on an individual level, but for the whole team. We have all come such a long way in such a short period of time. Some have come from never having wrestled a day in their life, to winning matches and bringing home medals! We should all be very proud of what we have accomplished this year...All in all, I believe that this first year has definitely been one for the books. I cannot begin to describe how amazing my experience has been and am looking forward to the many years to come," said Doroodian after the championships.

Algoma University and the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program would like to congratulate Doroodian on her successful debut wrestling season.

About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Social Work, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture. Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students. To learn more, visit www.algomau.ca.

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